The extreme summer heat took a morning break and enabled a good attendance for the 2026 Shorefire Century. While it was warm near the end, the only bad weather effect was a very brief storm passing through the Hartly rest stop that damaged the two canopies and doused the riders.

The participation was 30 less riders compared to the idyllic setting of last year; 205 of the 236 registrants checked into ride 35, 65 or 100 mile routes.

The entire group was comprised of 61% members and 39% non-members. While most cyclists were from the Mid-Atlantic area of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington DC, the states of California, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia were also represented.

Comments regarding the Shorefire were overall positive. One enhancement suggestion from participants is to add a 50-mile route for next year.

An unexpected event director change led to co-leaders of Bill Ebbott and Dinesh Mistry quickly teaming up to oversee the event. A special shoutout goes to this dynamic duo along with the volunteers staffing the route marking, set-up, check-in, rest stops and Support & Gear (SAG).